Gaming machine with bonus game

ABSTRACT

In a free game, a number of times of a unit games in which a symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W 2  is displayed on the display portion  202  for stop number of times of the liquid crystal panel  5 B, by using the symbol of “ORANGE”. On the other hand, a payout amount obtained in each of the unit game is accumulated and displayed on the accumulative additional amount display portion  201 . After the unit game is executed over a predetermined number of times, a predetermined magnification for the free game is determined based on the number of the symbol of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion  202  for stop number of times. A final payout amount for the free game is determined by multiplying the predetermined magnification determined in the above with the payout amount accumulated and displayed on the accumulative additional amount display portion  201.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims a priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-339041 filed on Dec. 15, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a bonus game is conducted.

2. Description of Related Art

In the game executed in the conventional slot machine, no matter the mechanical slot machine or the video slot machine, a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols are used. The game is started based on the setting of a predetermined bet number by a player. When the setting of the bet number by the player is detected by the slot machine, the reels are rotated, the variable display of the symbols arranged on the reel is executed, and then the symbols which are determined based on the internal lottery are stopped and displayed. At that time, at least one line (pay line) which crosses any one of the symbols displayed on each reel is preset, and it is determined whether or not a winning combination is obtained, corresponding to a symbol combination stopped on the pay line. And as a result of the winning combination determination, when the symbol combination becomes the winning combination, a payout is provided according to the symbol combination determined as the winning combination and the bet number.

Here, in the slot machine which is usually arranged in a casino and the like, when the winning combination is determined in the base game, winning of a bonus game is also determined. For example, as a result of the base game, when the symbol combination which is stopped and displayed is a winning combination, the game state shifts from the base game to the bonus game. In the bonus game, the player does not need to set a new bet number, and in many cases a favorable game for the player is usually developed. Thereby, the bonus game different from the base game is conducted, so as to attract the interest of the player.

Although there exist various modes in the bonus games, a plurality of symbols are variably displayed and stopped in a typical bonus game mode, similar to the base game. In such bonus game mode, the bonus games are automatically repeated over a predetermined number of times with a predetermined magnification through which the payout is increased, without newly betting by the player.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, one or more aspects of the present invention relate to a gaming machine, a gaming method thereof, a game system, a computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions or the like that by adding visual effects on the stage screen displayed on the display, so as to provide a gaming machine and a play method with new entertainment character which is not included in the conventional techniques.

One or more of the above aspects of the invention is more fully described in the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purpose of illustration only and not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages and principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing characteristics of the gaming machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing symbol columns described on each of reels.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing an internal construction of entire gaming machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal construction of a sub-control board of the gaming machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a payout table showing the winning combinations and payout amounts thereof when the base game or the free game is conducted by using the reels.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing an image example displayed on a liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the other image example displayed on the liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a main control program in the gaming machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a main game process program in the gaming machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a free game process program in the gaming machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a predetermined magnification table indicating correlation between a first variable and a predetermined magnification of a free game.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a free game process program in the gaming machine according to the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various aspects summarized precedingly may be embodied in various forms. The following description shows by way of illustration of various combinations and configurations in which the aspects may be practiced. It is understood that the described aspects and/or embodiments are merely examples, and that other aspects and/or embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It is noted that various connections are set forth between items in the following description. It is noted that these connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect.

A gaming machine according to one or more aspects of the invention is described in detail with reference to the drawings based on an embodiment embodying one or more aspects of the invention as a slot machine, a server, a game system. However, it is appreciated that one or more aspects of the present invention may be embodied in distributable (via CD and the like) or downloadable software games, console games, and the like. Aspects of the invention are described by way of hardware elements. However, it is appreciated that these elements may also be software modules that are executable in a computer. The software modules may be stored on a computer readable medium, including but not limited to a USB drive, CD, DVD, computer-readable memory, tape, diskette, floppy disk, and the like. For instance, aspects of the invention may be embodied in a JAVA-based application or the like that runs in a processor or processors. Further, the terms “CPU” and “processor” are inclusive by nature, including at least one of hardware, software, or firmware. These terms may include a side of a processing unit in a computer (for instance, in multiple core processing units), multiple cores, a functional processor (as running virtually on at least one of processor or server, which may be local or remote). Further, in network-based gaming systems, the processor may include only a local processor, only a remote server, or a combination of a local processor and a remote server.

It is contemplated that one or more aspects of the invention may be implemented as computer executable instructions on a computer readable medium such as a non-volatile memory, a magnetic or optical disc. Further, one or more aspects of the invention may be implemented with a carrier signal in the form of, for instance, an audio-frequency, radio-frequency, or optical carrier wave.

Hereinafter, the embodiment embodying the present invention is described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing characteristics of a gaming machine according to the embodiment. When a liquid crystal panel 5B shown in FIG. 1 is specified, it is described by the No. of the row from the uppermost row of the figure. Regarding this, it is the same in the following FIG. 9.

The game conducted in the gaming machine of the embodiment is constructed from two game modes of a base game and a bonus game.

In the base game, as shown on the left side of the first row in FIG. 1, three symbols on each of three reels R1, R2, R3 are arranged through each of three display windows W1, W2, W3 which are made transparent, on the liquid crystal display panel 5B constructed from a well-known transparent liquid crystal display panel.

On the liquid crystal panel 5B, a pay line L, which crosses the three display windows W1, W2 and W3 horizontally, is displayed. The pay line L is used to define the combination of the symbols. Furthermore, a payout amount display portion 8 and a credit count display portion 9 are arranged on the liquid crystal panel 5B. And in front of the liquid crystal panel 5B, a touch panel 101 is arranged.

Also, each of various winning combinations is determined in advance based on the symbol combination of the symbols. And based on the rotation and stop of each reel R1, R2 and R3, three symbols are rearranged within each display window W1, W2 and W3. Here, when the symbol combination constructed from the three symbols rearranged on the pay line L corresponds to any of the winning combinations, the payout amount corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the payout amount display portion 8. Thereby, a unit game is formed. The payout amount displayed on the payout amount display portion 8 is added to the credit count display portion 9 and is displayed, when the unit game is terminated. In other words, the base game is a so-called slot game.

When the symbol combination which is constructed from the three symbols rearranged on the pay line L, becomes a bonus game trigger, as shown on the left side of the first row in FIG. 1, a predetermined payout amount is displayed on the payout amount display portion 8, and the game shifts to a free game which is one kind of the bonus games. In the free game, the unit game in the base game is repeated over a predetermined number of times. Here, the payout amount obtained in each of the unit games is increased by multiplying the payout amount with a predetermined magnification, thereafter such payout amount is added and displayed in the payout amount display portion 8. And although the predetermined number of times (for example, 20 times) is predetermined, the predetermined magnification is determined while the free game is conducted.

And when the game shifts to the free game, as shown on the right side of the first row in FIG. 1, the title image of the free game is displayed first on the liquid crystal panel 5B. At this time, the pay line L is erased from the liquid crystal panel 5B. Also the three display windows W1, W2 and W3 are turned to opaque, thereby each of the reels R1, R2 and R3 becomes invisible to the player.

Also, as a matter of convenience for description, on the liquid crystal panel 5B shown on the right side of the first row in FIG. 1, the payout amount display portion 8 and the credit count display portion 9 are omitted. Regarding this, it is the same in the liquid crystal panel 5B shown on the second and the third rows in FIG. 1. And the above omission is also applied to the liquid crystal panel 5B shown in FIG. 9.

Thereafter, the liquid crystal panel 5B returns to the display state just before the game shifts to the free game. And as shown in the liquid crystal panel 5B on the right side of the second row in FIG. 1, based on the starting of the rotation of each reel R1, R2 and R3, the first unit game comprising the free game is started. On the liquid crystal panel 5B, an accumulative additional amount display portion 201 and a display portion 202 for stop number of times are displayed while each of the unit game of the free game is executed. Here, the accumulative additional amount display portion 201 displays an accumulative additional amount of the payout amount obtained in each of the unit games. Also, the display portion 202 for stop number of times displays a number of times of the unit games (abbreviated as “stop number of times” hereinafter) in which the symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2.

Here, the result of first unit game consisting the free game is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B on the left side of the second row in FIG. 1. Concretely, three symbols of “CHERRY” are rearranged on the pay line L. Therefore, the payout amount corresponding to the winning combination constructed from the three symbols of “CHERRY” becomes “5”. Then, “5” is added to the previous amount in the accumulative additional amount display portion 201, and such calculated amount is displayed on the accumulative additional amount display portion 201 (see the both sides of the second row in FIG. 1).

Additionally, the symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2, so that one symbol of “ORANGE” is displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times (see the both sides of the second row in FIG. 1). Thereafter, as shown in the liquid crystal panel 5B on the left side of the third row in FIG. 1, second unit game consisting the free game is started.

As described above, the unit game consisting the free game is repeated over a predetermined number of times. Display content of the liquid crystal panel 5B on the right side of the third row in FIG. 1 is an example when the unit game consisting the free game is repeated over a predetermined number of times. In addition, the display portion 202 for stop number of times is able to display up to three symbols of “ORANGE” as shown on the liquid crystal panel 5B on the right side of the third row in FIG. 1. Thus, only three symbols of “ORANGE” are displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times even if “stop number of times” becomes four times, as shown on the liquid crystal panel 5B on the right side of the third row in FIG. 1.

Thereafter, the display portion 202 for stop number of times is erased as shown on the liquid crystal panel 5B on the right side of the fourth row in FIG. 1. On the other hand, it is displayed a predetermined magnification table display portion 203 indicating correlation between the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times and the predetermined magnification of the free game. A portion corresponding to the free game is highlighted and displayed by a bold frame in the predetermined magnification table display portion 203.

According to the predetermined magnification table display portion 203, the correlation between the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times and the predetermined magnification of the free game is described below. That is, the predetermined magnification of the free game is determined as “×15” when the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times is three. Also, the predetermined magnification of the free game is determined as “×10” when the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times is two. Also, the predetermined magnification of the free game is determined as “×5” when the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times is one. Also, the predetermined magnification of the free game is determined as “×1” when the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times is zero.

Then, as shown on the liquid crystal panel 5B on the left side of the fourth row in FIG. 1, it is displayed an acquired payout amount display portion 204 indicating the accumulative additional amount of the payout amount obtained in each of the unit game and the predetermined magnification of the free game. Thereafter, although not shown in FIG. 1, it is calculated an amount by multiplying the accumulative additional amount of the payout amount obtained in each of the unit game with the predetermined magnification of the free game. Then, the calculated amount is added to the previous amount of the payout amount display portion 8, and such accumulated amount is displayed on the payout amount display portion 8 on the liquid crystal panel 5B. And, the game returns from the free game to the base game.

Hereinafter, the embodiment embodying the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, an outline construction of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is perspective view of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 1 is an upright type slot machine arranged in the game arcade such as casino, in order to execute predetermined game modes, such slot machine includes a cabinet 3 in which electronic and mechanical components are installed. For example, as a display portion 4 to display information concerning the game, there are provided an upper display portion 4A, a middle variable display portion 4B and a lower display portion 4C. Each display portion 4A to 4C is mounted at the front of the oblong cabinet 3. The upper display portion 4A includes a liquid crystal panel 5A which is, arranged above the middle variable display portion 4B. On the liquid crystal panel 5A, for example, the effect image, the introduction of the game content, and the rule explanation of the game are displayed. The lower display portion 4C is arranged below the middle variable display portion 4B, and includes a plastic panel 5C on which the images are printed, and the plastic panel 5C is lightened by the backlights.

The middle variable display portion 4B, which is used to display the execution state of the game, includes a transparent liquid crystal panel 5B which is fixed at the front door of the cabinet 3. Through the liquid crystal panel 5B, the symbols on each reel R1, R2 and R3 arranged inside the cabinet 3, may be visible by a player. In the middle variable display portion 4B, one pay line L horizontally crossing each of areas corresponding to the reels R1, R1, R3 is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 5B. On the upper position of the middle variable display portion 4B, the payout amount display portion 8 and the credit count display portion 9 are arranged on the liquid crystal panel 5B. Also the upper portion of the middle variable display portion 4B, is related to the back side, thereby the player may play games in a cozy posture.

Here, the image of the base game displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B will be explained. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are the figures showing the contents displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B. On the liquid crystal panel 5B, in the base game, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, each display window W1, W2 and W3 is changed to a transparent state, the symbols displayed on the reel strip of each reel R1, R2 and R3 may be visible by the player. FIG. 7 shows the arranged or rearranged state of the symbols which are displayed on the reel strip of each reel R1, R2 and R3, through each display window W1, W2 and W3 of the liquid crystal panel 5B. FIG. 8 shows the rotating state of the symbols which are displayed on the reel strip of each reel R1, R2 and R3, through each display window W1, W2 and W3. On the reel strip of each reel R1, R2 and R3, a symbol column constructed from twenty-two symbols is displayed respectively (see FIG. 3).

Also, in front of the liquid crystal panel 5B, the touch panel 101 is arranged, and a player may input his/her various instructions by operating the touch panel 101.

On the liquid crystal panel 5B, the payout amount display portion 8 and the credit count display portion 9 are arranged. On the payout amount display portion 8, the payout amount obtained in the base game (slot game) by a player is displayed. On the credit count display portion 9, the credit counts which is owned by the current player is displayed. Also, on the payout amount display portion 8, the payout amount obtained in the free game by the player is displayed.

Therefore, on the liquid crystal panel 5B in the base game, the three display windows W1, W2 and W3 are changed to a transparent state, three symbols which are displayed on the reel strip of each reel R1, R2 and R3 are visible through each display window W1, W2 and W3. On the liquid crystal panel 5B in the base game, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the pay line L crossing the three display windows W1, W2 and W3 horizontally is displayed. The pay line L is used to define the symbol combination.

And on the liquid crystal panel 5B right after the game shifts from the base game to the free game, the pay line L is erased, and the three display windows W1, W2 and W3 are turned to an opaque state, thereby the symbols displayed on the reel strip of each of the reels R1, R2 and R3 become invisible to the player. On the liquid crystal panel 5B, as shown on the right side of the first row in FIG. 1, the title image of the free game is displayed.

Additionally, as described above, the screen returns to the display state just before the base game shifts to the free game. Then, based on the starting of the rotation of each reel R1, R2 and R3, the first unit game comprising the free game is started. (see the right side of the second row in FIG. 1). Here, the image of the free game displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B is the same as the image of the base game described above, except for displaying the accumulative additional amount display portion 201 and the display portion 202 for stop number of times (see the second and third rows in FIG. 1).

On the liquid crystal panel 5B after the unit game is executed over a predetermined number of times, the pay line L and the display portion 202 for stop number of times are erased from the liquid crystal panel 5B. And each display window W1, W2 and W3 is changed to a opaque state, hereby the symbols on each reel R1, R2 and R3 may become invisible by the player. On the liquid crystal panel 5B, the predetermined magnification table display portion 203 is displayed as shown on the right side of the fourth row in FIG. 1. Thereafter, the accumulative additional amount display portion 201 and the predetermined magnification table display portion 203 are erased from the liquid crystal panel 5B. Besides, the acquired payout amount display portion 204 is displayed as shown on the left side of the fourth row in FIG. 1.

Returning to FIG. 2, between the middle variable display portion 4B and the lower display portion 4C, at the front of the cabinet 3, an operation table 10 which is projected forward is arranged. On the operation table 10, a variety of operation buttons 11 including a BET button, a collecting button, a spin button, a Cash Out button, are arranged as the operation portion to execute the game. On the operation table 10, a coin insertion slot 12 and a bill insertion portion 13 are arranged. Also between the operation table 10 and the middle variable display portion 4B, a ticket printer 14 and a card reader 15 are arranged. At the lowest position of the cabinet 3, a coin tray 16 is also arranged.

In the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, the gaming medium may be coin, bill, or electronic value (credit). Here, the gaming medium may be others as well, such as medal, token, electronic money, or ticket.

On the cabinet 3 of the gaming machine 1, light emitting portions 20 are arranged around the game area including the upper display portion 4A, the middle variable display portion 4B, the lower display portion 4C and the operation table 10.

The gaming machine 1 also includes a topper effect device 28 which is installed on the cabinet 3. The topper effect device 28 is shaped in a rectangular board shaped, and is arranged almost parallel to the liquid crystal panel 5A of the upper display portion 4A.

Next, the symbols displayed on the reel strip of each reel R1, R2 and R3 will be explained with reference to FIG. 3. These symbols are scrolled and rearranged through each display window W1, W2 and W3 on the liquid crystal panel 5B during the base game and the free game. FIG. 3 is a schematic view schematically showing symbol columns displayed on the reel strip of each reel R1, R2 and R3.

On the reel strip of each reel R1, R2 and R3, twenty-two symbols are arranged respectively. Each symbol column is constructed from the symbols including “FRANKENSTEIN”, “Blue 7”, “BELL”, “APPLE”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM” and “ORANGE”. And the symbols of the predetermined types are arranged in a predetermined sequence.

Here, when three symbols of “Blue 7”, “BELL”, “APPLE”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM” and “ORANGE” are rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, a predetermined payout amount is provided to the player (see FIG. 6). Also, regarding the symbols of “CHERRY” and “ORANGE”, even when one or two “CHERRY” or “ORANGE” is/are rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, a predetermined payout amount corresponding to the number of the symbols is provided to the player (see FIG. 6).

When three symbols of “FRANKENSTEIN” are rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, a predetermined payout amount is provided to the player, and also the game shifts from the base game to the free game. To each symbol consisting each symbol column shown in FIG. 3, a symbol number is allocated from top to down in sequence.

Next, the internal construction of the above gaming machine 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal construction of entire gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the gaming machine 1 includes a plurality of construction elements such as the main control board 71, in which a microcomputer 31 is included. The main control board 71 is constructed from a microcomputer 31, a random number generation device 35, a sampling circuit 36, a clock pulse generation circuit 37 and a frequency divider 38. The main control board 71 also includes an illumination effect driving circuit 61, a hopper driving circuit 63, a payout completion signal circuit 65 and a display portion driving circuit 67.

The microcomputer 31 is constructed from a main CPU 32, a RAM 33 and a ROM 34. The main CPU 32 runs based on the programs stored in the ROM 34, and inputs/outputs signals with other elements through I/O port 39, so as to execute the control of the entire gaming machine 1. Data and programs used when the main CPU 32 runs are stored in the RAM 33. For example, random numbers which are sampled by the after-mentioned sampling circuit 36 are stored temporarily after the start of the game, also the code No. of each reel R1, R2 and R3 and the symbol numbers are stored in the RAM 33. And the programs executed by the main CPU 32 and the permanent data are stored in the ROM 34.

Especially, the programs stored in the ROM 34 include the game programs and the game system programs (abbreviated as “the game programs and the like” hereinafter). And a lottery program mentioned below is also included in the game programs.

The lottery program is a program used to determine the code No. of each reel R1, R2 and R3 which corresponds to each symbol rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B. In the lottery program, it is included symbol weighing data corresponding to each of plural kinds of payout rates (for example, 80%, 84%, 88%). The symbol weighing data are the data indicating correlation between the code No. of each reel and one or plural random numbers belonging to a predetermined number range (0 to 255), every each of the three reels R1, R2 and R3.

In other words, each of the code No. of one reel is associated with one or more random numbers corresponding to the payout rate. The random number is extracted by the lottery program, and the symbol specified finally by the random number is rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B.

Random numbers over a predetermined range are generated by the random number generation device 35, which is operated based on the instructions from the main CPU 32. The random numbers are voluntarily extracted from the random numbers generated by the random number generation device 35 by the sampling circuit 36, based on the instructions from the main CPU 32, and the extracted random numbers are input to the main CPU 32. The base clock for running the main CPU 32 is generated by the clock pulse generation circuit 37, and the signals which are generated by dividing the base clock in a predetermined frequency are input to the main CPU 32 by the frequency divider 38.

And to the main control board 71, a reel driving unit 50 is connected. The reel driving unit 50 includes a reel position detection circuit 51 which detects the positions of the three reels R1, R2 and R3, and a motor driving circuit 52 which inputs the driving signals to the motors M1, M2 and M3 which are used to rotate the reels R1, R2 and R3. The motors M1, M2 and M3 are operated based on the driving signals input from the motor driving circuit 52, and rotate the reels R1, R2 and R3, and stop the reels R1, R2 and R3 at a desired position.

Furthermore, the touch panel 101 is connected to the main control board 71. The touch panel 101 is arranged in front of the liquid crystal panel 5B, and specifies the coordinate position of the portion touched by the player. The position on which the player touched and the direction of the movement of the touched portion are determined based on the specified coordinate position information. And the signals corresponding to the determination are input to the main CPU 32 through I/O port 39.

Also, the operation buttons 11 for instructing the execution of the game are connected to the main control board 71. The operation buttons 11 include a spin button, a collecting button and a BET button and the like. The signals corresponding to the pressing of these buttons are input to the main CPU 32 through I/O port 39.

The effect signals which are used to conduct illumination effect are output to the above-mentioned light emitting portion 20 and the topper effect device 28 by the illumination effect driving circuit 61. And the topper effect device 28 is serially connected to the illumination effect driving circuit 61 through light emitting portions 20.

A hopper 64 is driven by the hopper driving circuit 63 based on the control of main CPU 32. The hopper 64 executes the payout of coins, and coins are paid out from the coin tray 16. The data of the number of coins are input from the connected coin detecting portion 66 by the payout completion signal circuit 65. When the number of coins becomes a predetermined number, the signal indicating the completion of the coins is input to the main CPU 32. The number of the coins paid out from the hopper 64 is calculated by the coin detecting portion 66, and the data of the number calculated are input to the payout completion signal circuit 65. The display operation of the payout amount display portion 8 and credit count display portion 9 is controlled by the display portion driving circuit 67.

Furthermore, a sub-control board 72 is connected to the main control board 71. As shown in FIG. 5, commands from the main control board 71 are input to the sub-control board 72. The display control on the liquid crystal panel 5A of the upper display portion 4A and the liquid crystal panel 5B of the variable display portion 4B, and the sound output control on a speaker 23 is executed by the sub-control board 72. The sub-control board 72 is constructed on a circuit board different from the circuit board for the main control board 71, and includes a microcomputer 73 (abbreviated as “sub-microcomputer” hereinafter) as a main construction element, and a sound source IC 78, a power amplifier 79 and an image control circuit 81. The sound source IC 78 controls the sound output from the speaker 23, the power amplifier 79 is used as an amplification device, and the image control circuit 81 is used as the display control device of the liquid crystal panel 5A and 5B.

The sub-microcomputer 73 includes a sub-CPU 74, a program ROM 75, a work RAM 76, an IN port 77 and an OUT port 80. The control operations are executed by sub-CPU 74 based on the control order transmitted from the main control board 71, the program ROM 75 is used as a memory device. Although a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generation device and a sampling circuit are not included in the sub-control board 72, the sub-control board 72 is constructed so as to execute random number sampling according to the operation programs thereof. The control programs executed by the sub-CPU 74 is stored in the program ROM 75. The work RAM 76 is constructed as a temporary storing means when the above control programs are executed by the sub-CPU 74.

The image control circuit 81 includes an image control CPU 82, an image control work RAM 83, an image control program ROM 84, an image ROM 86, a video RAM 87 and an image control IC 88. The images displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5A and 5B are determined by the image control CPU 82, based on the parameters set by the sub-microcomputer 73, according to the image control programs stored in the image control program ROM 84.

The image control programs regarding to the display of the liquid crystal panel 5A, 5B and a variety of the selection tables are stored in the image control program ROM 84. The image control work RAM 83 is constructed as a temporary storing means when the image control programs are executed by image control CPU 82. Images corresponding to the content determined by the image control CPU 82 are formed by the image control IC 88, and are output to the liquid crystal panel 5A, 5B.

In the image ROM 86, the dot data used to form images are stored. The video RAM 87 runs as a temporary storing means when the images are formed by the image control IC 88.

Next, winning combinations and the payout amounts corresponding to the winning combinations will be explained with reference to FIG. 6, wherein the winning combinations are the symbol combinations when the base game or the free game is executed by using each of the reels R1, R2 and R3 in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a payout table in which the winning combinations and the payout amounts corresponding to the winning combinations are shown when the base game or the free game is executed by using each of the reels R1, R2 and R3.

Here, the payout amount shown in FIG. 6 indicates the payout amount when the bet number is “1” in the base game. Therefore, when the bet number is “1”, the payout amount shown in FIG. 6 is paid out, and when the bet number is more than “2”, the payout amount obtained by multiplying the payout amount shown in FIG. 6 with the bet number is paid out.

On the other hand, the payout amount shown in FIG. 6 indicates the payout amount when the predetermined magnification is “1” in the free game. Therefore, in the free game, the payout amount obtained by multiplying the payout amount shown in FIG. 6 with the predetermined magnification is provided to the player.

Thereby, when three symbols of “FRANKENSTEIN” are rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, the payout amount obtained by multiplying 10 credits with the bet number or the predetermined magnification is paid out. And in the base game, when the bonus trigger is realized, the free game is generated. Also, in the free game, the bonus trigger may be realized, at that time, a new free game is generated.

When three symbols of “Blue 7” are rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, the payout amount obtained by multiplying 10 credits with the bet number or the predetermined magnification is paid out. When three symbols of “BELL” are rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, the payout amount obtained by multiplying 8 credits with the bet number or the predetermined magnification is paid out. The payout amount corresponding to each winning combination shown in FIG. 6, are set as the same in the above. However, when a symbol combination constructed from the symbols rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, is not any of the winning combinations shown in FIG. 6, the symbol combination is not a winning combination. Therefore, no credits may be paid out.

As mentioned above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, the slot game is executed as the base game, and the free game is executed as the bonus game respectively.

In other words, in the base game, the slot game is executed by rearranging the symbol combination specified by each reel R1, R2 and R3 on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B. In the slot game, firstly, a part of symbol column (three symbols) displayed on the reel strip of each reel R1, R2 and R3 (shown in FIG. 3), is arranged on the liquid crystal panel 5B through each transparent display windows W1, W2 and W3 (see FIG. 7). Here, after a player sets the bet number by pressing the bet button among the operation buttons 11, if the player presses the spin button, each of the reels R1, R2 and R3 rotates, the symbol column displayed on the reel strip of each reel R1, R2 and R3 shown in FIG. 3, is scrolled from up to down on the liquid crystal panel 5B through each of the transparent display windows W1, W2 and W3 (see FIG. 8).

After a predetermined time, each reel R1, R2 and R3 stops automatically, a part of the symbol column (three symbols) displayed on the reel strip of each reel R1, R2 and R3 (shown in FIG. 3), is arranged on the liquid crystal panel 5B through each transparent display window W1, W2 and W3 (see FIG. 7). On the other hand, each winning combination based on each symbol combination is determined beforehand (see FIG. 6). When the symbol combination constructed from the three symbols rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, realizes a winning combination, the payout amount obtained by multiplying the bet number with the payout amount corresponding to the realized winning combination is provided to the player.

On the other hand, in the free game as the bonus game, the slot game, in which a specific symbol combination is rearranged through each reel R1, R2 and R3 on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, is repeated over a predetermined number of times. Also, in the slot game, a part of the symbol column (three symbols) displayed on the reel strip of each reel R1, R2 and R3 as shown in FIG. 3, is rearranged on the liquid crystal panel 5B through each transparent window W1, W2 and W3 (see FIG. 7). However, here, after a predetermined time, each reel R1, R2 and R3 rotates automatically. Thereby, no matter whether the player presses the operation buttons 11 such as the BET button or the spin button, the symbol column displayed on the reel strip of each reel R1, R2 and R3 as shown in FIG. 3, is scrolled from up to down and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B, through each transparent window W1, W2 and W3 (see FIG. 8).

Furthermore, after a predetermined time, each reel R1, R2 and R3 stops automatically, a part of the symbol column (three symbols) displayed on the reel strip of each reel R1, R2 and R3 as shown in FIG. 3, is rearranged on the liquid crystal panel 5B through each transparent window W1, W2 and W3 (see FIG. 7). On the other hand, similar to the above base game, each kind of winning combination is determined beforehand based on the symbol combination (see FIG. 6).

When the symbol combination, which is constructed from the three symbols rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, is a winning combination, the payout amount corresponding to the realized winning combination is accumulated. After the slot game is repeated over a predetermined number of times, the payout amount obtained by multiplying an accumulated payout amount with the predetermined magnification will be provided to the player.

The predetermined magnification of the free game is determined based on a “stop number” during the free game. The predetermined magnification determined in the above is highlighted and displayed by the bold frame in the predetermined magnification table display portion 203 on the liquid crystal panel 5B, as described above.

Next, the main control program executed in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment will be explained with reference to figures. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the main control program.

First, when the power switch is pressed, the microcomputer 31 is started to operate, an initialization is executed by the microcomputer 31 in step (abbreviated as “S”) 1. In the initialization process, the BIOS stored in the ROM 34 is executed by the main CPU 32. The compressed data included in the BIOS is expanded to the RAM 33, and when the BIOS expansion to the RAM 33 is executed, the diagnosing and initialization process of the various peripheral devices are executed. Also, the game programs and the like are written from the ROM 34 to the RAM 33 by the main CPU 32, so as to obtain the payout rate setting data and the country ID information. Also, during the execution of the initialization process, the verification process to each program is executed.

And in S2, the main CPU 32 reads out the game programs and the like from the RAM 33, and executes the programs in sequence so as to conduct the main game process. The game is executed in the game machine 1 according to the embodiment by executing the main game process. And the main game process is repeated when the power is supplied to the game machine 1.

Next, the sub-process of the main game process in S2 will be explained with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the main game process program in the game machine 1 according to the embodiment. Also, each program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is stored in the ROM 34 or the RAM 33 of the game machine 1, and is executed by the main CPU 32.

First, as shown in FIG. 10, a start acceptance process is executed by the main CPU 32. At this time, in the start acceptance process, the insertion of the coins or the bet operation using the BET button among the operation buttons 11 is executed by the player. And the control signals are transmitted to the sub-control board 72 by the main CPU 32, so that each window W1, W2 and W3 of the liquid crystal panel 5B is shift/maintained in a transparent state.

And then, it is determined by the main CPU 32 whether the spin button among the operation buttons 11 is pressed in S13. It is determined based on the input signals corresponding to the button pressing of the operation button 11 to the main CPU 32. Here, when the spin button among the operation buttons 11 is not pressed (S12: NO), the game returns to the start acceptance process again. Thereby, it is possible to change the bet number and the like. On the other hand, when the spin button among the operation buttons 11 is pressed (S12: YES), the bet number set based on the above bet operation is reduced from the credits owned by the player at that time, and is stored in the RAM 33 as the bet information. And the credit count after reduction is also stored in the RAM 33 as the bet information.

In S13, a lottery process in the base game is executed by the main CPU 32. Concretely, when the lottery program included in the game programs is executed by the main CPU 32, the random number corresponding to each reel R1, R2 and R3 respectively is selected from a range of 0 to 255. And with reference to the symbol weighing data corresponding to the payout rate setting data, based on the three random numbers, the code No. of each reel R1, R2 and R3 is determined. The determined code No. of each reel R1, R2 and R3 is stored in the RAM 33 by the main CPU 32, and the game proceeds to S14.

Here, because the code No. of each reel R1, R2 and R3, corresponds to the symbol No. (symbol No. in FIG. 3) which is rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, based on the determination of the code No. of each reel R1, R2 and R3 by the main CPU 32, the symbol combination in the game is determined. For example, when the code No. of each reel R1, R2 and R3 is determined as “21”, “21” and “21”, it is determined that the symbol combination is constructed from the three symbols of “FANKENSTEIN” by the main CPU 32 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the lottery of the symbol combination in the base game is conducted based on the determination of the code No. of each reel R1, R2 and R3.

When the game proceeds to S14, the symbol display control process is executed by the main CPU 32. Concretely, first, the reel rotation process is executed by the main CPU 32. In other words, each motor M1, M2 and M3 is driven by the main CPU 32 through the motor driving circuit 52, so as to rotate each reel R1, R2 and R3. And then, the effect mode (the display mode of the images on the liquid crystal panel 5B and the sound output mode from the speaker 23) for each unit game is determined by the main CPU 32, and the sub-control board 72 is ordered to start the effect in a predetermined effect pattern. And then, when the predetermined stop timing to stop each reel R1, R2 and R3 comes, a reel stop process is executed by the main CPU 32 through the motor driving circuit 52, thereby each reel R1, R2 and R3 is stopped based on the code No. stored in the RAM 33. Thereby, the symbol combination determined in above S13 is rearranged on pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B.

And in the S15, it is determined by the main CPU 32 whether a winning combination is realized. The determination is made based on the code No. of each reel R1, R2 and R3 stored in the RAM 33. Here, when a winning combination is not realized (S15: NO), the program is executed again. On the other hand, when a winning combination is realized (S15: YES), the game proceeds to S16.

In S16, the payout amount display process is executed by the main CPU 32. Concretely, first, the payout amount obtained by multiplying the payout amount corresponding to the winning combination rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B with the bet number is calculated. And the calculation is executed based on the bet information in the RAM 33 and the payout table of FIG. 6, and the calculated amount is stored in RAM 33 as the payout information. And then, the control signals are transmitted to the display portion driving circuit 67 by the main CPU 32, the payout information stored in the RAM 33 (the above calculated amount) is displayed on the payout amount display portion 8 of the liquid crystal panel 5B.

And when the game proceeds to S17, it is determined whether a bonus game trigger is realized by the main CPU 32. Concretely, when the three symbols of “FANKENSTEIN” are rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, it is determined that the bonus game trigger is realized. And this determination is executed based on the code No. of each reel R1, R2 and R3 stored in the RAM 33. Here, when a bonus game trigger is realized (S17: YES), the control signals are transmitted to the sub-control board 72 by the main CPU 32, each display window W1, W2 and W3 of the liquid crystal panel 5B is changed to an opaque state, and the title image of the free game is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B (see the right side of the first row in FIG. 1). And then in S18, the free game process is executed. Regarding the free game process, the detail will be explained later.

Next, in S19, the payout process is executed, including the case when the bonus game trigger is not realized (S17: NO). In the payout process, the payout amount obtained by the player in the base game and the free game, is paid out to the player respectively, based on the payout information stored in the RAM 33. When the payout is executed, the credits which are stored in the RAM 33 as the payout information (the payout amount obtained by the player in the base game) and the credits which is stored in the RAM 33 as payout information for the free game (the payout amount which the player obtained in the free game) are added to the credits stored in the RAM 33 as the credit information, and the added value is overwritten in the RAM 33 as the credit information.

And then, the control signals are transmitted to the display portion driving circuit 67 by the main CPU 32, the credits information stored in the RAM 33 (the added value in S19) is displayed on the credit display portion 9 of the liquid crystal panel 5B. At the same time, “0” is overwritten to the RAM 33 as the payout information or the payout information for the free game, and by transmitting the control signals to the display portion driving circuit 67, on the payout amount display portion 8 of the liquid crystal panel 5B, “0” is displayed.

In the payout process, the credits owned by the player at that time (1 credit equals to 1 coin) based on the pressing on the CASHOUT button among the operation buttons 11, or may also be paid out by a ticket with a bar code which is printed by the ticket printer 14. And the main game process is executed again after the payout process in above S19 by the main CPU 32.

Next, the sub-process of the free game process in above S18 will be explained with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a sub-process program of the free game in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment. The program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is stored in the ROM 34 or the RAM 33 of the gaming machine 1, and is executed by the main CPU 32.

When the game proceeds to S22, the free game image display process is executed. Concretely, the control signals are transmitted to the sub-control board 72 by the main CPU 32, the liquid crystal panel 5B is returned to the display state just before the game shifts to the free game (as shown on the right side of the fourth row in FIG. 1). In other words, on the liquid crystal panel 5B, the pay line L is displayed again. The three display windows W1, W2 and W3 are turned to transparent, and each reel R1, R2 and R3 is visible by the player again. Furthermore, on the liquid crystal panel 5B, the accumulative additional amount display portion 201 and the display portion 202 for stop number of times are newly displayed (for example, see the second and third rows in FIG. 1).

In S22, the lottery process for the free game is executed by the main CPU 32. Concretely, the lottery program included in the game programs is executed, a random number corresponding to each reel R1, R2 and R3 is selected respectively from the range of 0 to 255. And with reference to the symbol weighing data corresponding to the payout rate setting data, based on the three selected random numbers, the code NO. of each reel R1, R2 and R3 is determined. And the determined code NO. of each reel R1, R2 and R3 is stored in the RAM 33, and the game proceeds to S24.

Here, because the code NO. of each reel R1, R2 and R3 is corresponded to the symbol No. (symbol No. in FIG. 3) which is rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, based on the determination of the code No. of each reel R1, R2 and R3 by the main CPU 32, the symbol combination in the game is determined. For example, when the code No. of each reel R1, R2 and R3 is determined as “13”, “08” and “07”, it is determined that the symbol combination is constructed from the three symbols of “Blue 7” by the main CPU 32 (see FIG. 3). The lottery of the symbol combination in the free game is conducted based on the determination of the code No. of each reel R1, R2 and R3.

When the game proceeds to S23, the symbol display control process is executed by the main CPU 32. Concretely, first, the reel rotation process is executed by the main CPU 32. In other words, each motor M1, M2 and M3 is driven by the main CPU 32 through the motor driving circuit 52, so as to rotate each reel R1, R2 and R3. And then, the effect mode (the display mode of the images on the liquid crystal panel 5B and the sound output mode from the speaker 23) for each unit game is determined by the main CPU 32, and the sub-control board 72 is ordered to start the effect in a predetermined effect pattern. And then, when the predetermined stop timing to stop each reel R1, R2 and R3 comes, a reel stop process is executed by the main CPU 32, through the motor driving circuit 52, each reel R1, R2 and R3 is stopped based on the code No. stored in the RAM 33. Thereby, the symbol combination determined in above S23 is rearranged on pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B.

In S24, the payout amount display process is executed by the main CPU 32. Concretely, first, the payout amount corresponding to the winning combination rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B is added to the payout information for the free game previously stored in the RAM 33, and the calculated amount is stored in RAM 33. And then, the control signals are transmitted to the display portion driving circuit 67 by the main CPU 32, the payout information for the free game stored in the RAM 33 (above calculated amount) is displayed on the accumulative additional amount display portion 201 of the liquid crystal panel 5B.

In S25, it is determined by the main CPU 32 whether the symbol of “ORANGE” is stopped and displayed. This determination is done based on the code No. stored in the RAM 33. Concretely, when more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through the display window W2, it is determined that the symbol of “ORANGE” is stopped and displayed. Here, when the symbol of “ORANGE” is not stopped and displayed (S25: NO), the game proceeds to after-mentioned S29.

On the other hand, when the symbol of “ORANGE” is stopped and displayed (S25: YES), the game proceeds to S26.

In S26, the counting process of stop number of times is executed by the main CPU 32. Concretely, for instance, a first variable preliminarily saved in the RAM is changed to “0” when the game shifts to the free game, and the first variable is incremented every time the process of S26 is executed.

In S27, it is determined by the main CPU 32 whether the first variable is attained to an upper limit number of times. Here, the upper limit number of times is preliminarily set by three times. When the first variable becomes larger than the “3”, it is determined that the first variable is attained to the upper limit number of time. When the first variable is attained to the upper limit number of times (S27: YES), the first variable is decremented, and the game proceeds to after-mentioned S29. On the other hand, when the first variable is not attained to the upper limit number of times (S27: NO), the game proceeds to S28.

In S28, a stock display process is executed by the main CPU 32. Concretely, the control signals are transmitted to the sub-control board 72 by the main CPU 32, and one symbol of “ORANGE” is displayed additionally on the display portion 202 for stop number of times of the liquid crystal panel 5B (for example, see the second row in FIG. 1). The number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times is stored in the RAM 33 as the stop number information.

And when the game proceeds to S29, it is determined whether the unit game is repeated over a predetermined number of times. Concretely, a second variable saved in the RAM 33 beforehand is changed to “0” when the game shifts to the free game, and the second variable is incremented every time the process of S29 is executed, and then the variable is compared with a predetermined number of times. And the predetermined number of times becomes a number of times which is set beforehand (for example, 20 times). Here, when the unit game is not repeated over a predetermined number of times (S29: NO), the game returns to the lottery process in the free game (S22) again. Thereby, the next unit game is executed. On the other hand, when the unit game is repeated over a predetermined number of times (S29: YES), the game proceeds to S30.

In S30, a magnification display process is executed by the main CPU 32. Concretely, the control signals are transmitted to the sub-control board 72 by the main CPU 32, thereby each display window W1, W2 and W3 on the liquid crystal panel 5B is changed to an opaque state. Besides, the predetermined magnification table display portion 203 is displayed by the main CPU 32 (for example, see the right side of the fourth row in FIG. 1). And the predetermined magnification corresponding to the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times is specified based on the stop number information stored in the RAM 33 and a predetermined magnification table of FIG. 12. Then, the control signals are transmitted to the sub-control board 72 by the main CPU 32, so that the relationship between the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times and the predetermined magnification is highlighted and displayed by the bold frame on the predetermined magnification table display portion 203 (for example, see the right side of the fourth row in FIG. 1).

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of a predetermined magnification table showing the relationship between the first variable and the predetermined magnification of the free game According to the predetermined magnification table in FIG. 12, the predetermined magnification is specified as “×1” when the first variable is “0”. The predetermined magnification is specified as “×5” when the first variable is “1”. The predetermined magnification is specified as “×10” when the first variable is “2”. The predetermined magnification is specified as “×15” when the first variable is “3”. Here, the first variable corresponds to the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times.

The predetermined magnification specified in S30 is regarded as the predetermined magnification of the free game, and stored in the RAM 33 as the predetermined magnification information.

In S31, a result display process is executed by the main CPU 32. Concretely, the control signals are transmitted to the sub-control board 72 by the main CPU 32, thereby the accumulative additional amount display portion 201 and the predetermined magnification table display portion 203 are erased from the liquid crystal panel 5B. Besides, the acquired payout amount display portion 204 is displayed by the main CPU 32 (for example, see the left side of the fourth row in FIG. 1). Additionally, the control signals are transmitted to the sub-control board 72 by the main CPU 32, so that the accumulative additional amount of the payout amount obtained in each of the unit game and the predetermined magnification of the free game are displayed on the acquired payout amount display portion 204 on the liquid crystal panel 5B, based on the payout information (the above calculated amount) for the free game stored in the RAM 33 and the predetermined magnification information. Also, the calculated amount obtained by multiplying the accumulative additional amount of the payout amount obtained in each of the unit game with the predetermined magnification of the free game is overwritten in the RAM 33 as the payout information for the free game. Consequently, the free game process is terminated, and the game returns to the main game process shown in FIG. 10.

As explained above, in the free game executed in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, the unit game is constructed from a series of processes (S22 to S24), including the symbol display process (S23) in which the symbols are started to be variably displayed until the symbols are stopped to be displayed through each display window W1, W2 and W3 of the liquid crystal panel 5B. And the unit game is repeated until the number of times of the game reaches a predetermined number of times (S29).

In S26, the number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2 is counted as the first valiable. In S30, the predetermined magnification is determined based on the value of the first variable and the predetermined magnification table of FIG. 12. On the other hand, the payout amount corresponding to the winning combination rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B in the unit game of the free game is added accumulatively. Then, the accumulative additional amount is displayed on the accumulative additional amount display portion 201 on the liquid crystal panel 5B as shown on the second and third rows in FIG. 1 (S30). And, as shown in the left side of the forth row in FIG. 1, a final accumulative additional amount is displayed on the acquired payout amount display portion 204 on the liquid crystal panel 5B together with the predetermined magnification. In this way, the free game is terminated.

Therefore, a calculated amount obtained by multiplying the final accumulative additional amount of the payout amount with the predetermined magnification (total amount of the payout amount obtained in the free game) is displayed on the payout amount display portion 8. Then, the payout amount is paid out to the player in various ways (S19).

Therefore, it is possible to make the player feel a tension, according to a fact that the predetermined magnification which may increase the payout amount obtained by the free game is determined based on the number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2 on the liquid crystal panel 5B.

When the unit game is repeated until the number of times of the game reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 20 times), the number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2, is fixed. Therefore, the feeling of tension for the player can be continued during the free game.

Also, the number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2 is decided based on the lottery process for the free game (S22). Here, the lottery process for the free game (S22) uses the symbol weighing data corresponding to each of the payout rate. Therefore, the increase of the payout rate may be controlled easily.

Normally, the number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2 coincides with the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times on the liquid crystal panel 5B (S28). Therefore, the feeling of tension for the player can be raised because the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times on the liquid crystal panel 5B attracts the player's attention.

The number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2 is regarded as 3 times even if the number of times of the unit games is greater than 4 times (S27). In this case, the predetermined magnification which may increase the payout amount obtained by the free game is determined based on the number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2. And, the upper limit of the number of times of the unit games is preset, thus the increase of the payout rate may be controlled easily.

Here, the gaming machine is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, according to the embodiment, the number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2 is fixed, and then, the predetermined magnification which may increase the payout amount obtained by the free game is decided. On the contrary, the predetermined magnification which may increase the payout amount obtained by the free game is fixed, and then, the number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2 is controlled. Whereby, in place of the sub-process of the free game process in FIG. 11, the sub-process of the free game process in FIG. 13 is executed by the main CPU 32.

Here, the sub-process of the free game process in FIG. 13 will be explained. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-process program of the free game process in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment. The program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13 is stored in the ROM 34 or the RAM 33 of the gaming machine 1, and is executed by the main CPU 32.

First, when the game proceeds to S41, the free game image display process is executed by the main CPU 32, similarly to S21 of the free game process in FIG. 11.

In S42, a magnification determinating process for the free game is executed by the main CPU 32. In the magnification determinating process, the predetermined magnification is determined based on execution of a second lottery program mentioned below. The second lottery program is included in the game programs stored in the ROM 34 as well as the lottery program. The second lottery program is a program used to determine the magnification number which corresponds to the predetermined magnification of the free game. Here, the predetermined magnification of the free game is selected from the predetermined magnification group consisting of “×1”, “×5”, “×10” and “×15”. In the second lottery program, it is included symbol weighing data corresponding to each of plural kinds of payout rates (for example, 80%, 84%, 88%). The symbol weighing data are the data indicating correlation between the magnification No. and one or plural random numbers belonging to a predetermined number range (0 to 255), about every each of “×1” “×5”, “×10” and “×15” forming the predetermined magnification group. In other words, each of the magnification No. is associated with one or more random numbers corresponding to the payout rate. The random number is extracted by the lottery program, thereby the predetermined magnification specified by the random number is used as the predetermined magnification of the free game.

In S43, the lottery process for the free game is executed by the main CPU 32, similarly to S22 in the free game process in FIG. 11. The lottery process for the free game is controlled so that the code No. which can rearrange more than one symbol of “ORANGE” through display window W2 on the liquid crystal panel 5B may be drawed more than 3 times in the free game, while the unit game is repeated over a predetermined number of times (for example, 20 times) through after-mentioned S51.

In S44, it is determined by the main CPU 32 whether or not the symbol of “ORANGE” is selected. This determination is done based on the code No. and the like stored in the RAM 33. It is determined that the symbol of “ORANGE” is selected when the lottery results in above-mentioned S43 coincide with the code No. which can rearrange more than one symbol of “ORANGE” through display window W2 on the liquid crystal panel 5B. Here, when the symbol of “ORANGE” is not selected (S44: NO), the game proceeds to after-mentioned S47. On the other hand, when the symbol of “ORANGE” is selected (S44: YES), the game proceeds to S45.

In S45, the counting process of selecting number of times is executed by the main CPU 32. Concretely, for instance, a third variable saved in the RAM is preliminarily changed to “0” when the game shifts to the free game, and the third variable is incremented every time the process of S45 is executed.

In S46, it is determined by the main CPU 32 whether the third variable is attained to the upper limit number of times. When the third variable is larger than the upper limit number of times, it is determined that the third variable is attained to the upper limit number of times. When the third variable is attained to the upper limit number of times (S46: YES), the third variable is decremented, and the game proceeds to after-mentioned S43. On the other hand, when the third variable is not attained to the upper limit number of times (S46: NO), the game proceeds to S47.

The upper limit number of times is obtained through the use of the predetermined magnification table in FIG. 12. The first variable is dealed as the upper limit number of times in the predetermined magnification table in FIG. 12. Therefore, according to the predetermined magnification table in FIG. 12, the upper limit number of times (the first variable) is “0” when the predetermined magnification is determined as “×1” (S42). The upper limit number of times (the first variable) is “1” when the predetermined magnification is determined as “×5” (S42). The upper limit number of times (the first variable) is “2” when the predetermined magnification is determined as “×10” (S42). The upper limit number of times (the first variable) is “3” when the predetermined magnification is determined as “×15” (S42).

In S47, the symbol display control process is executed by the main CPU 32 similarly to S23 of the free game process in FIG. 11. In S48, the payout amount display process is executed by the main CPU 32, similarly to S24 of the free game process in FIG. 11.

In S49, it is determined by the main CPU 32 whether the symbol of “ORANGE” is stopped and displayed, similarly to S25 of the free game process in FIG. 11. When the symbol of “ORANGE” is not stopped and displayed (S49: NO), the game proceeds to after-mentioned S51. On the other hand, when the symbol of “ORANGE” is stopped and displayed (S49: YES), the game proceeds to S50.

In S50, the stock display process is executed by the main CPU 32, similarly to S28 of the free game process in FIG. 11. Here, the upper limit number of times in S46 corresponds to the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times in the free game.

And when the game proceeds to S51, it is determined whether the unit game is repeated over a predetermined number of times, similarly to S29 of the free game process in FIG. 11. When the unit game is not repeated over a predetermined number of times (S51: NO), the game returns to the lottery process for the free game (S43) again. Thereby, the next unit game is executed. On the other hand, when the unit game is repeated over a predetermined number of times (S51: YES), the game proceeds to S52.

In S52, the magnification display process is executed by the main CPU 32, similarly to the S30 of the free game process in FIG. 11. However, the third variable is dealed as the first variable in the predetermined magnification table in FIG. 12. In S53, the result display process is executed by the main CPU 32, as same as the S31 of the free game process in FIG. 11.

Therefore, even if the free game is executed according to the program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, it is possible to make the player feel a tension, according to a fact that the predetermined magnification which may increase the payout amount obtained by the free game is determined based on the number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2 on the liquid crystal panel 5B.

The player can confirm the number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2, only after the unit game is repeated until the number of times of the game reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 20 times). Therefore, the feeling of tension for the player can be continued.

The predetermined magnification of the free game is determined according to the magnification determinating process (S42) by using the symbol weighing data. Then, the number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2 on the liquid crystal panel 5B is controlled under the influence of the predetermined magnification of the free game determined as above (S43 to S47). Therefore, the payout rate may be controlled easily.

The number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2 coincides with the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times on the liquid crystal panel 5B (S43 to S48). Therefore, the feeling of tension for the player can be raised because the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times on the liquid crystal panel 5B attracts the player's attention.

The upper limit number of times associated with the number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2 is set by 0 to 3 times according to the predetermined magnification of the free game determined before staring the first unit game (S42 to S46). The number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times on the liquid crystal panel 5B becomes at a maximum of three. On the other hand, according to the correlation between the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times on the liquid crystal panel 5B and the predetermined magnification of the free game (see the predetermined magnification table display portion 203 on the liquid crystal panel 5B at the right side of the fourth row in FIG. 1), it is possible to make the player, who recognize the correlation, sense an anticipation during the free game, according to a fact that the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times on the liquid crystal panel 5B (namely, the predetermined magnification of the free game) might increase, if the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times on the liquid crystal panel 5B is less than three.

In the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, including a modification example described above, the correlation between the number of the symbols of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times (namely, the number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2) and the predetermined magnification of the free game is informed by the predetermined magnification table display portion 203 on the liquid crystal panel 5B (see the right side of the fourth row in FIG. 1), including a transformation example described above. In this view, the correlation described above may be informed according to a effect performed on the liquid crystal panel 5B. For example, five pieces of seed may jump out from one symbol of “ORANGE” displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times on the liquid crystal panel 5B. Then, the free game may be produced so that a total number of the seeds jumped out from the symbol of “ORANGE” is dealed as the predetermined magnification of the free game. Besides, at the effect, it might be displayed that the predetermined magnification of the free game is “×1” by using figures and the like, when the symbol of “ORANGE” is not displayed on the display portion 202 for stop number of times on the liquid crystal panel 5B.

In the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, including the modification example described above, the predetermined magnification of the free game is corresponded to the number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2. In this view, video reels may be newly provided on the liquid crystal panel 5B, and the predetermined magnification of the free game may be corresponded to the number of a specific symbols rearranged by the video reels. The symbols rearranged by the video reels newly provided may be independently controlled. Even if the predetermined magnification of the free game is determined before the first unit game is started as a modification example described above (S42), there is no need to correct lottery results of the lottery process for the free game (S44 to S46) in each of the unit game afterward.

In the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, including the modification example described above, the predetermined magnification of the free game is corresponded to the number of times of the unit games in which more than one symbol of “ORANGE” is rearranged through display window W2. In this view, the predetermined magnification of the free game may be corresponded to a total number of the symbols of “ORANGE” rearranged through display window W2 on the liquid crystal panel 5B while the free game is executed. Also, the predetermined magnification of the free game may be corresponded to a total number of the symbols of “ORANGE” rearranged through each display window W1, W2 and W3 on the liquid crystal panel 5B while the free game is executed. Also, the predetermined magnification of the free game may be corresponded to a total number of the symbols of “ORANGE” rearranged on the pay line L of the liquid crystal panel 5B while the free game is executed.

In the gaming machine according to the embodiment, including a modification example described above, the slot machine with three mechanical reels is used, a slot machine with five reels or with nine reels may also be used in the slot machine. Also, a slot machine with video reels may also be used.

In the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, including a modification example described above, there is one pay line L, however, a plurality of pay lines L may be used in the embodiment. In this case, in the base game (slot game), among all the pay lines L, the number of the activated pay line L is usually set along with the bet number among all the pay lines L. However, the bet number may also be set after the setting of the number of the activated pay line L, or the number of the activated pay line L may also be set after the setting of the bet number.

The concept may also be applied to the techniques determining the attribution items of the bonus game in the gaming machine.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 

1. A gaming machine comprising: a display device for displaying a plurality of symbols thereon; and a processor for controlling the display device; wherein the processor is programmed to (a) execute a bonus game in which a unit game is executed over a predetermined number of times, the unit game being conducted on the display device after the symbols are started to be variably displayed until the symbols are stopped, and a payout is increased with a predetermined magnification based on a game result of the unit games, (b) count a stop number of times for a predetermined symbol stopped and displayed on the display device while the bonus game is executed, (c) determine the predetermined magnification based on the stop number of times, (d) accumulate the payout obtained corresponding to the game result of the unit game executed over the predetermined number of times, and (e) terminate the bonus game after increasing the payout by multiplying the payout accumulated with the predetermined magnification.
 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 comprising a stock area on the display device; wherein the processor displays the predetermined symbol with a number equal to the stop number of times on the stock area.
 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processor sets an upper limit number of times in association with the stop number of times in advance.
 4. A gaming machine comprising: a display device for displaying a plurality of symbols thereon; and a processor for controlling the display device; wherein the processor is programmed to (a) execute a bonus game in which a unit game is executed over a predetermined number of times, the unit game being conducted on the display device after the symbols are started to be variably displayed until the symbols are stopped, and a payout is increased with a predetermined magnification based on a game result of the unit games, (b) determine the predetermined magnification before staring the bonus game, (c) control a stop number of times for a predetermined symbol stopped and displayed on the display device in accordance with the predetermined magnification while the bonus game is executed, (d) accumulate the payout obtained corresponding to the game result of the unit game executed over the predetermined number of times, and (e) terminate the bonus game after increasing the payout by multiplying the payout accumulated with the predetermined magnification.
 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4 comprising a stock area on the display device; wherein the processor displays the predetermined symbol with a number equal to the stop number of times on the stock area.
 6. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the processor sets an upper limit number of times in association with the stop number of times in advance. 